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2026 Rowan Foundation Scholarship Winners

The Rowan Foundation is honored to recognize the inaugural recipients of the Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship, a national creative writing scholarship program created to support undergraduate women pursuing English, creative writing, or related literary studies.

Launched in memory of Alexandra Rowan, the program reflects her love of writing, storytelling, and the power of words to connect, heal, and inspire. The 2026 scholarship recipients were selected from a strong pool of applicants whose work demonstrated creativity, promise, and a meaningful commitment to the written word.

This year’s awards include scholarships in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, as well as the Alexandra Rowan Resilience in Writing Scholarship, which recognizes an undergraduate woman whose personal experience with blood clots or a clotting disorder has helped shape her writing, perspective, or creative journey.

  • Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship — Poetry
    Susan Coyle, Kent State University at Kent, read winning submission

  • Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship — Fiction
    Zuri Scales, Towson University, read winning submission

  • Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship — Nonfiction
    Jordan Montero, University of California-Berkeley, read winning submission

  • Alexandra Rowan Resilience in Writing Scholarship
    Rebecca Mlapah, Brown University, read winning submission

Read the Rowan Foundation’s press annoucement announcning the 2026 scholarship winners here.

For more information about the scheduling of upcoming scholarship opportunities, please contact us at [email protected]

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Rowan Foundation Creative Writing Scholarships

The Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship and Alexandra Rowan Resilience in Writing Scholarship are designed to support women who aspire to become writers refine their craft and to ensure that Alexandra’s passion inspires generations to come.

  • The submission portal for 2026 Alexandra Rowan Scholarship applications opened on January 1, 2026. 

  • The applications deadline was April 1, 2026.

  • Scholarship winners announced on May 13, 2026, during National Women’s Health Week

  • Scholarship details appear below.

At the Rowan Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. To further our mission of supporting aspiring writers and amplifying diverse voices, we are proud to introduce the Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship and also the Alexandra Rowan Resilience in Writing Scholarship. These scholarships are designed to encourage and empower women who are college students in their creative pursuits by providing financial assistance and recognition for their literary talent.

Scholarship Details
1. Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship

This scholarship honors the memory of Alexandra Rowan by supporting women who aspire to become writers and share their voices with the world.

Any female undergraduate student pursuing an English or creative writing program at an accredited U.S. college or academic institution may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

There will be three winners: one in nonfiction, one in fiction, and one in poetry.

  • Total Scholarship Amount: $3,000

    • $1,000 for Nonfiction submission
    • $1,000 for Fiction submission
    • $1,000 for Poetry submission
  • Eligibility: Women enrolled in an English or Creative Writing program at an accredited U.S. college or academic institution.

  • Submission Requirement: Applicants must submit an original piece of creative writing, which may be an essay, poem, or short story.

  • Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026

2. Alexandra Rowan Resilience in Writing Scholarship

Alexandra Rowan was a beloved daughter, friend, and writer whose life was tragically cut short at age twenty-three due to a blood clot in her lung linked to hormonal contraception. This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Alexandra Rowan by ensuring that her passion for language and storytelling continues to inspire future generations.

Any female undergraduate student majoring in English or creative writing may apply for this scholarship opportunity if she is living with a genetic clotting disorder or if she has personally experienced a blood clot before.

There will be one winner in either nonfiction, fiction, or poetry.

  • Total Scholarship Amount: $1,000

    • $1,000 for Nonfiction submission or
    • $1,000 for Fiction submission or
    • $1,000 for Poetry submission
  • Eligibility: Women enrolled in an English or Creative Writing program at an accredited U.S. college or academic institution who are living with a genetic clotting disorder or who have personally experienced a blood clot before.

  • Submission Requirement: Applicants must self-attest to their clotting history or personal clotting experience and submit an original piece of creative writing, which may be an essay, poem, or short story.

  • Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026

These scholarship opportunities will be officially announced in January 2026 through multiple channels, including:

  • Our website and social media platforms
  • Partnerships with schools and community organizations
  • Online scholarship directories
  • Press announcements

Please check back regularly for updates.

Questions can be emailed to: [email protected]

College graduate in cap and gown smiling while holding a piggy bank
Purple desk scene with notebook and keyboard and mouse with coffee
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Review and Selection

A review committee consisting of literary professionals and Rowan Foundation members will evaluate all submissions based on criteria that will be provided during the application process.

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Notification and Award Distribution

Winners will be notified via email or phone and required to confirm acceptance of the award. The scholarship funds will be distributed to the students’ academic institution.

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Public Announcement and Promotion

With permission, the winners’ names and their creative works will be featured on our website and social media channels. This serves as an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and inspire other aspiring writers.

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Building a Legacy of Creativity

The Rowan Foundation Creative Writing Scholarship is more than just financial support—it is an investment in the voices of the future. By nurturing young storytellers, we aim to foster a more inclusive, imaginative, and innovative literary landscape. Let your story be heard!

Email questions to [email protected]